Bus Node Assembly for Packaging Machine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines face inefficiencies in operation and handling due to the centralized location of electronics in control cabinets, which occupy space, require extensive wiring, and are not easily accessible for maintenance or reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The relocation of electronics to a bus node assembly attached to the outside of the packaging machine's work station, featuring a housing cap that protects against contamination and thermal influences, with a circuit board connected to a communication bus for data transmission and control, and incorporating a light source for status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronics are located in a central control cabinet, then control functions are centralized, but the machine occupies more space and accessibility for maintenance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control system into distributed bus node assemblies that are attached to individual work stations. Each bus node assembly contains its own electronics (circuit board with electronic components) that were previously housed in a central control cabinet. This segmentation allows the electronics to be distributed closer to where they are needed, improving accessibility for maintenance while reducing the overall machine size by eliminating or reducing the central control cabinet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized vertical arrangement (control cabinet at the bottom or side of the machine) to a distributed horizontal arrangement (bus node assemblies attached to the outside of each work station). This dimensional change allows electronics to be accessible from the exterior of the machine without requiring a large central cabinet, thus improving maintenance accessibility while reducing machine footprint.
2Device complexity
If electronics are located in a central control cabinet, then wiring can be organized centrally, but extensive wiring is required throughout the machine
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into distributed bus node assemblies at each work station, the patent reduces the need for extensive wiring throughout the machine. Each bus node assembly locally processes signals and communicates with the central controller through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for numerous individual wires running from the central cabinet to each component. This segmentation simplifies wiring architecture and improves hygiene by reducing cable clutter in sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extensive mechanical wiring with a communication bus system. Instead of using numerous individual electrical wires to connect the central control cabinet to each work station component, the system uses a standardized communication interface (bus system) that allows data and control signals to be transmitted with minimal physical connections. This substitution reduces wiring complexity and improves ease of operation and hygiene.
3Ease of repair
If electronics are relocated to bus node assembly on the outside of work station, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but electronics are exposed to contamination and thermal influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a housing cap that acts as a protective shell enclosing the electronics in the bus node assembly. This housing cap protects the circuit board and electronic components from contamination (dust, moisture) and thermal influences while still allowing the bus node assembly to be attached to the outside of the work station for easy accessibility. The housing cap can be designed with seals or filters to maintain protection while allowing necessary connections.
4Volume of stationary object
If electronics are relocated to bus node assembly, then central control cabinet size is reduced, but new housing structure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing cap of the bus node assembly with the work station structure itself. Instead of creating a completely separate housing for the electronics, the design integrates the protective enclosure into the existing work station framework, utilizing available surfaces and structures. This merging approach reduces manufacturing complexity by reusing existing components and structures rather than requiring entirely new housing designs.
Data Source
AI summary
In a packaging machine, a work station has an interior, which is surrounded by a wall and which has arranged therein a tool with at least one heating element or actor. The invention is characterized by a bus node assembly that is attached to the outside of the wall facing away from the interior and which comprises a housing cap, a circuit board and an interface connected to the circuit board and used for connection to a communication bus.